What’s Happening
Gabrielle’s sister, Charlotte, is a graduate of the 2023 Junior Course.
Zoom In
Talented young emerging artists have their maps set for Tamworth in July with 27 students headed to the Country Music Capital in two weeks.
Known for boosting the musical careers of some of Australia’s biggest musical stars for more than 20 years, this year The Academy’s Junior Course welcomes junior students from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and even jetting in from New Zealand.
The students, aged from 10-18 years old, and their parents or guardians, will be immersed in the intensive course from July 14-20 at Tamworth’s Liberty College where they will hone their musicianship, songwriting, performance, business, and media skills.
Around the grounds
Mentoring these students will be Academy Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett, Assistant Director Ashleigh Dallas, parent course co-ordinator Dobe Newton, group leaders Liam Kennedy-Clark, Sarah Buckey, Anthony Snape, and Jayne Denham, they will co-write with a range of professional songwriters and learn other aspects of the music business from industry professionals.
What the people say
Lyn Bowtell said the Junior Course always highlighted how many talented young artists we have in Australia and New Zealand, and it was a privilege to see them grow during their week at The Academy.
“One of the most special aspects of The Academy Junior Course is that we uncover so many singers, songwriters and musicians who may not have performed in groups before, and they develop their musical skills so much during their time in the course,” she said.
“It’s extra special to nurture them and their burgeoning careers when they are so young. It’s also wonderful seeing them make lifelong friends during the week.”
Roger Corbett highlighted how important the Junior Course was to these young people.
“These talented young artists truly find their tribe at Junior Academy as they meet so many like-minded people of similar ages,” he said.
“We cannot wait to welcome them all to the course and it’s wonderful to see three students returning to complete the course again and build on what they learned last time.”
Zoom out
The parents and guardians of these talented emerging artists also complete a course, readying them to manage the careers of their children and guide them on their musical path.
Junior Course alumni include Jessica Mauboy, James Johnston, Max Jackson, Melanie Dyer, Judah Kelly, and Caitlyn Shadbolt.
The Academy – Liberty College, Tamworth – January 8-19, 2024
Andrew Scharf – Charters Towers QLD – Hughenden ‘Steve Riley Memorial’ Scholarship
Ava Bizzanelli – Kenthurst NSW
Belle Norman – Mirrabooka NSW
Ben Gillard – Wagga Wagga NSW – Maton Instrumental Scholarship
Gabi Forman – Kalkite NSW
Gabrielle Voll – Highfields QLD
Georgia Kelly – Currumbin Valley QLD
Grace Mills – Kelso NSW
Hayden Phillis – Como NSW
Izzy James – Phoenix Park NSW – CMAA Scholarship
Jack Gregory – Staghorn Flat VIC – Robyn Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Jordi Woods – Middle Arm NSW
Joss Walsh – Burradoo NSW
Justin Loxley – Kelso NSW
Karelina Coco – Bayview NSW
Laylah Baines – Springdale Heights NSW
Lily-Grace Grant – Lennox Head NSW
Lucy Beveridge – Stewarts Brook NSW
Mackenna Rose – Tugan QLD
Molly Harrison – Ashburton Canterbury NZ – Creative New Zealand
Paige Heinjus – Corryong VIC
Phoebe Rose – Palmview QLD
Reese Hutchinson – Thornlands QLD
Robbi Morgan – Hornsby NSW – JMC Academy Scholarship
Ruby Holden – Queanbeyan NSW
Sarah Savannah – Corinda QLD – Ekka Country Music Showdown 2023 Junior Winner
Travis Jones – Coonamble NSW – Ros Whitney Scholarship